Bar: SoHo Wine & Martini Bar

Ultimately, its evolving drink menu keeps SoHo tops, fresh and relevant. Some 18-20 new drinks were introduced in 2009. New favorites include the absinthe-inspired Dirty Fairy, the Brisket-infused Bourbon and the Cinnamon & Vanilla-infused Tequila. Old favorites are the Carrot Cake Martini, Peanut Butter Delight and Rose Pedal Mojito.

“Some people, including my wife, think I’m obsessed in what I do, but I think you kind of have to be,” says co-owner Lutfy Flores, the creator of SoHo’s concoctions.

Every drink is made with fresh ingredients. They even violently stir their own whipped cream.

Certainly, dressing to impress is always a good idea. But if you’re not in the mood, nobody’s going to frown on your T-shirt and jeans get-up. This also applies to your drink selection. Many drink Dos Equis or Miller Lite.

Normally, the absence of food would be perceived as a slight negative, but the bar’s proximity to the River Walk, especially Pesca on the River, Waxy O’Connor’s and Rita’s on the River, make it a non-issue.

Yes, in the interest of full disclosure and all of that mumbo jumbo, I am a regular. There are two photos of me on the wall (they’re really small, and one of them is angling out of the frame). But I task you to find another bar that regularly introduces new cocktails at the level and quantity of SoHo.

Honorable mention: Some bars came close to the No. 1 rank, particularly Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar. Zinc really amped-up its appeal with its upgraded food menu to go along with its stellar wine list. Zinc now opens at 11 a.m. for lunch and the kitchen stays open until midnight. Zinc revamped its menu about three months ago. One highlight includes table-side guacamole. What makes all of this worth mentioning is that the prices are more than reasonable — nine bucks for the Zinc Burger and it’s made with smoked cheddar and Parmesan tuiles and comes with fries.

Hotel Bar: vBar

With a giant question mark looming over Club Cohiba at the Havana Riverwalk Inn, vBar at the Valencia Hotel moves into the No. 1 hotel bar spot.

Drink selection is above average and the prices are reasonable for downtown. What really makes vBar tick is its spaciousness and varied seating arrangements. There is the bar itself, two lounge areas and the patio which over looks the River Walk and East Houston Street.

EXPRESS-NEWS FILE PHOTO

Dance Club: The Bonham

The Bonham is primarily a gay bar but its energy overrides any kind of stereotype. Everybody goes there. And it’s still the best destination for hardcore, sweat-your-ass-off dancing.

Sports Bar: The Ticket

Another selection with little competition. There are about 10 high-fef TVs and there’s not a bad seat in the house. Bartenders are perhaps the most attentive downtown for the volume.

Even though The Ticket lacks a kitchen, the heated-up chicken wings and pizza are pretty darn tasty.

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Breakfast Tacos: The Oasis Café

There was a time when Express-News employees embraced The Oasis Café. The newspaper is located a block away from the small Mexican food restaurant on McCullough Avenue. Of late, the food there’s become a punchline.

I’m here to tell you that while lunch there is hit and miss, they happen to serve the best breakfast tacos downtown. It has the best tortillas (they’re made fresh), carne guisada (not too watery), refried beans, chilaquiles and barbacoa.

Hot Dog: Jerry’s Chicago-Style Hotdogs

Delivery Market’s Chicago-style ‘dogs are good. They’re even made with Vienna Beef.

There’s just something about the way Jerry Cahue prepares his hot dogs. Also, try the dipped beef sandwich.

COURTESY LA MANSION

Brunch: Omni La Mansion Hotel

There are some fine brunches downtown, but the champagne brunch at La Mansion’s Las Canarias restaurant is by far tops. At $38.95, it’s not cheap. What it reminds me of is Vegas — good for the occasional splurge.

Burger: ?

I made a real effort to find the best burger, but never found one that really distinguished itself over the other. Among my favorite places for a good burger: Zinc Bistro & Wine Bar, Waxy O’Connor’s, Guillermo’s Downtown and Candy’s Old Fashion Burgers.

Late-night Eatery: The Original Mexican Restaurant

The obvious choice here is Mi Tierra Restaurant & Bakery. But the 24-hour Original claims the top spot because it’s a little cheaper and is within stumbling distance as it’s on the River Walk.

. . .

Hospital Cafeteria: CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital

There’s a place in my heart for the Baptist Medical Center. Yet, there’s really no comparison with CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital. It’s a huge cafeteria and the selection is plentiful.

Place to Relax: Central Library

Until we get a bookstore, the Central Library is No. 1. It’s cavernous and so there are plenty of places to sit back with a good book and take a load off. The Starbucks on West Crockett Street is a close second.

Public Restroom: Centro Info

You might ask yourself just what in the hell is this category and are there that many public restroom options. Yes, there are. There are the St. Mary’s Street Parking Garage and Main Plaza’s restrooms, for example. But restrooms at Centro Info on Commerce Street are clean and there’s even an information booth.

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BENJAMIN OLIVO/mySA.com

Event: Luminaria

This category is difficult to choose because a lot of annual events don’t change from year to year. In only its second year, Luminaria improved on its stellar 2008 debut. Don’t know if it’s the closing of the streets or its scale, but there’s something to be said for thousands of San Antonians embracing an arts festival in the middle of downtown.

Acapulco Drive-Inn makes a serious burger, and it is close enough to Durango to be downtown. Have to agree with SoHo, absolutely the best bar downtown. Ticket is great for sports, but could be so much better. Good list.

Good list. I love Luminaria. I hope they keep it up. And I know it’s not in your domain, Mr. Downtown, but Casbeers at the Church has a hell of a good burger menu. It might be the closest that’s the best.